WA must follow European Union’s lead and pass The Green’s plastic ban bill

Tuesday, 29th May 2018

In the wake of news that the European Union has proposed a ban on plastics, The Greens (WA) are calling for the WA Government to back a bill currently before parliament to ban single use plastics.

The Environmental Protection Amendment (Banning Plastic Bags and Other Things) Bill 2017, introduced by Greens WA waste spokesperson Robin Chapple would place a ban on single use plastics with appropriate exemptions regarding medicine and access issues.

Mr Chapple said that the Government should follow the lead of the European Union and support The Greens’ bill, citing the incredible impact plastic is having on the environment, ocean and waterways of WA.

“The European Union are going full steam ahead to ban plastics because they recognise just how harmful and unnecessary this waste is,” Mr Chapple said today.

“Meanwhile in WA we have a bill before parliament right now that all parties could come together to pass that would help address this urgent crisis.

“The Greens are calling on the Government to pass this bill, and follow the lead of governments across the world that are taking measures to avert the growing catastrophe that is plastic pollution.

“We know that by 2050 the volume of plastic in the ocean will be greater than the volume of sea life, which is a heartbreaking and catastrophic outcome.

“None of the products my Bill seeks to ban exhibit product stewardship, they exist purely for a few minutes convenience and will ultimately end up as landfill, litter or food for marine life.

“Removing single use plastics from the supply chain will create choice by opening up a market for reusable materials and cleaner, more sustainable options.

“There has been a clear groundswell of community action, with individuals, community groups and businesses taking carriage of waste reduction.

“The time to take action was years ago, so we have no time to lose when it comes to reducing waste.”